rules and regulations

Schedule

The official opening of the tournament will take place on 13 June 2010 at 9:30 CET hours at the playing venue. The drawing of lots will take place at 16:00 CET. The tournament is a double round-robin system, beginning from 14 June 2010. The rounds are scheduled daily from 14:30 CET hours, except the last round which will be from 12:30 CET hours.

Time control

120 minutes for the first forty moves, 60 minutes for the next twenty moves and then each player will be allotted 15 minutes until the end. Starting with move 61 each player will receive an increment of 30 seconds per move.

Photo gallery

Additional rules

No draw agreement by the players are allowed before move 30.
Any such draw claim will be permitted only through the Chief Arbiter in the following cases:

* a triple-repetition of the position,

* a perpetual check,

* in theoretically drawn position.

The final standing of the players will be determined according to points. In case of sharing of places – the following criteria will be decisive for the tie-break:

* A greater number of wins

* The result of the direct mini-matches between contenders

* Berger

* A tie-break match will be played in case of a tie for the first place in the tournament between the first two players in the final standing (according to points, or the additional criteria). The match will consist of two games with a time-control of 15 minutes per player + 3 seconds added for every move played. In case of a tie, another match of two blitz-games will be played with a time-control of 5 minutes per player + 3 seconds for every move played. In case of another tied result – there will be played a last “sudden-death” decisive game with a time-control 5 minutes for the whole game for the White-player and 4 minutes for the whole game for Black-player. The White-player will only need a victory in this game to win the tournament; whole the Black-player will win the tournament by just not losing that final decisive game.

* In case the first place might be shared by more than two players – the final standing will be determined according to the criteria that have been mentioned above.

The chess imagination is endless, while the chess notation is only one

The chess imagination is endless, while the chess notation is only one. The
chess riches must be expressed by the riches of chess notations, as well. Nowdays
the chess notation is reduced to only one option. Chess players here you have one
system, so make your choice. If you don’t use this only possibility you will be
punished – it is regulated by the FIDE Laws.

From the link bellow, you can familiarize yourselves with a new, original chess
notation. The new chess notation is an original, simple and complete system which
enables recording of the moves and following of the course of a chess game. The system also provides simple solution for Fischer Random – Chess960.

c) Proposed prize fund for the players (minimum 1,000,000 euros should be offered net of any applicable taxes).

d) The contribution to FIDE (net of any applicable taxes and not less than 20% of the prize money) as stipulated in Article 13.2 as well as the financial obligations stated in Article 14 of the Rules and Regulations of the FIDE World Championship Match 2010

e) Commitment to cover all the other financial obligations to FIDE, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the FIDE World Championship Match 2010

f) Commitment to cover all organizational costs, in accordance with the match regulations.

g) Category of official hotel (minimum 4- stars), and name if possible, with special room rates including meals.

h) A statement that the applicant accepts the regulations of the match without any reservations.

i) An invitation for at least (two) members of the FIDE Commission for World Chess Championships and Olympiads to inspect the proposed venue and examine the other conditions, with all travel/hotel expenses paid by the bidder.

j) The applicant’s name, signatures and authentication.

3.In order for a proposed bid to be considered, it should be accompanied by a 8-month term bank guarantee covering the amount of prize fund (minimum 1,000,000 euros), the FIDE contribution (20% over and above the prize fund), 5% for WCO budget and 5% for the commercial rights and 32,500 euros covering stipends of Principals as described in article 14.4 of the match regulations. This guarantee should be from a bank that FIDE bankers, UBS of Switzerland, are able to confirm as acceptable. Alternatively to the above paragraph, a bidder can deposit in FIDE’s bank account the amount of 100,000 euros by the deadline of 30 September 2009 (refundable if the bid is rejected), another 60% of the prize fund by 30 November 2009 and the balance by 21 January 2010.

4. A bid is considered to be valid if it is accompanied with a non-refundable Bid Fee of 2,000 euros payable to FIDE.

5.No bidder can propose a sponsor which shall be in conflict with the regulations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

6.The bids, including all original documents and particulars, shall arrive by registered post to the FIDE Secretariat, post address: 9 Syggrou Ave., 11743 Athens – Greece. The bidding process will close on 30 September 2009, 13:00 GMT.

7.When the deadline has expired, the FIDE President or his representative shall open the received envelopes in order to assess the bids. FIDE will inform any bidding parties of the results of the process by 9 October 2009 the latest.

Nanjing aims to be part of the Grand Slam

Many readers have requested the detailed rules of the Nanjing chess tournament that is going to take place December 10-22. Although there are no regulations on the official website, we have managed to collect the most interesting information through various sources.

The tournament will be double round robin FIDE rated event. The total prize fund is 250 000 eur, as 80 000 go for the winner and the last one receives 20 000 eur. The tournament dates are 10-22 December, as the first playing day is December 11. The time control 90 min for 40 moves + 1 hour to the end of the game is yet to be confirmed.

Round 1, (with live commentary on Chessdom.com) will start at 3:00 pm local time (8:00 AM CET) while the other rounds begin at 2:30 pm (7:30 AM CET). The time zone of Nanjing is GMT/UTC + 08:00 hour.

Nanjing aims to be part of the Grand Slam

In the Nanjing preview we hinted the possibility that Pearl Spring is trying to become part of the Grand Slam. That possibility got yet another confirmed today by an official press release by Silvio Danailov. In front of BTA and Focus News he states, “The hosts have ambition to make the tournament annual and next year they will apply to be a Grand Slam member event.”

The last tournament for Topalov before the challengers match

Pearl Spring will be the last event of Topalov before the challengers match with Gata Kamsky. After the China event he will start the preparation for the match with his second Ivan Cheparinov.

The ex world champion is already on his way to China (with a transfer flight through Frankfurt). He will have a press conference the day after his arrival.

rules for the 2009 challengers match in Sofia

1. Match Regulations

1.1 Format & System Match System: The Challenger’s Match between Gata Kamsky and Veselin Topalov in 2009 will consist of 8 games and possible tie-breaks. The winner qualifies for the World Championship Match 2009.

2.1 Schedule of the Challenger’s Match The Challenger’s Match will be played according to the following schedule in 2009:

Opening Ceremony One day prior

Day 1 Game 1

Day 2 Game 2

Day 3 Restday

Day 4 Game 3

Day 5 Game 4

Day 6 Restday

Day 7 Game 5

Day 8 Game 6

Day 9 Restday

Day 10 Game 7

Day 11 Restday

Day 12 Game 8

Day 13 Restday (Closing Ceremony)

Day 14 Tie Breaks (Closing Ceremony)

The closing ceremony shall take place on the day after the match has been decided or one day thereafter.

3.1 The Players shall be entitled to inspect the accommodation arranged for them at the Venue three (3) days before the first game of the match and shall be entitled to make reasonable requests regarding such accommodation which the organizer shall use all reasonable endeavors to accommodate.

3.2 The Players – shall inspect the playing hall in the presence of the Chief Arbiter, the Chairman of the Appeals Committee and representatives of FIDE, two (2) days before the first game of the match at 3.00 p.m. The Organizing Committee shall use all reasonable endeavors to satisfy the reasonable requests of the players in relation to the playing hall. In the event of a dispute between the Players as to the condition and suitability of the playing hall the Executive Director of the Organizing Committee together with the FIDE President, shall decide about such dispute. Their decision shall be final and binding.

3.3 No postponement of any game shall be allowed except with permission of the FIDE President after consultation with the with the Chief Arbiter.

3.4 Drawing of colors

3.4.1 The draw for colors will be conducted during the opening ceremony. The colors shall be reversed after game 4. (The player getting the white color in game 1 shall play game 5 with the black color).

3.4.2 For tie-break games, there shall be a separate drawing of lots conducted by the Chief Arbiter of the match.

3.5 Time control.

3.5.1 The time control for each game shall be: 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, 60 minutes for the next 20 moves and then 15 minutes for the rest of the game plus an additional 30 seconds per move starting from move 61.

3.5.2 The games shall be played using the electronic clocks and boards approved by FIDE.

3.6 Conditions of victory

3.6.1 The match shall be played over eight (8) games and the winner of the match shall be the first player to score 4.5 points or more. A tie shall be broken according to article 3.7 below. If the winner scores 4.5 points in less then 8 games then the organizers can re-schedule the Closing Ceremony for an earlier date.

3.6.2 If any player refuses to participate in the Challenge’s Match, the other player qualifies for the World Championship Match 2009.

3.7 Tie-breaks

3.7.1 If the scores are level after the regular eight (8) games, after a new drawing of colors, four (4) tie-break games shall be played. The games shall be played using the electronic clock starting with 25 minutes on the clock for each player with an addition of 10 seconds after each move.

3.7.2 If the scores are level after the games in paragraph 3. 7. 1, then, after a new drawing of colors, two (2) five-minute games shall be played with the addition of 10 seconds after each move.

3.7.3 If the score is still level, the players shall play a single decisive sudden death game. The player, who wins the drawing of lots, may choose the color. White shall receive 6 minutes, black shall receive 5 minutes, without any addition. In case of a draw the player with the black pieces is declared as winner.

3.7.4 Play shall be governed by the FIDE Laws of Chess for Rapid and Blitz Games (Appendices B and C of the Laws of Chess), except where they are overridden by the specific provisions of these regulations: a. Players need not record their moves. An Arbiter will record the moves (Article B3). b. Once a player has completed ten (10) moves, no claim can be made regarding incorrect piece placement, orientation of chessboard or clock setting. In case of reverse King and Queen placement, castling with the King is not allowed (Article B4). c. The player whose turn it is to move, may consult the Arbiter’s score sheet, and, if his next move will produce a threefold repetition of position (according to Article 9.2a of the Laws of Chess), or the 50 moves rule (according to Article 9.3a of the Laws of Chess), he himself must write the intended move on the score sheet and claim the draw, if he wants. If the claim is found to be correct, the game is immediately ended as a draw. If the claim is found to be incorrect, the Arbiter shall add three (3) minutes to the opponent’s remaining time and additionally shall deduct half of the claimant’s remaining time up to a maximum of three (3) minutes. d. The Arbiter shall call the flag fall (Article B6). e. Article C3 does not apply. f. In the case of an illegal move the Arbiter shall interfere with the game only after a claim by the opponent and shall reinstate the position immediately before the irregularity. For the first illegal move made by a player the arbiter shall give two (2) extra minutes to the opponent. For the second illegal move by the same player the arbiter shall declare the game lost by this player.

3.7.5 Between the tie-break games as well as before the start of the sudden death game there shall be a pause of at least 10 minutes, unless the Chief Arbiter decides otherwise.

3.8 Playing Conditions.

3.8.1 Only the players and steward (-es)s shall be allowed in the actual playing area except with the permission of the Chief Arbiter or his Deputy.

3.8.2 During the playing session the following additional regulations shall be in force: a) The players are not permitted to bring into the playing area technical and other equipment extraneous to play, which may in any way disturb or upset the opponent. The Chief Arbiter shall decide what constitutes extraneous equipment liable to offend the opponent. b) A player may talk only to an arbiter or communicate with a steward, or with his opponent as permitted by the Laws of Chess. c) During the playing session, players are not allowed to leave the playing area without the permission of the Chief Arbiter.

3.9 Score sheets.

The Organizing Committee shall provide score sheets according to the specifications provided by FIDE. a) At the end of each game the players’ original score sheets shall be given to the Arbiter, who shall hand them to FIDE. Score sheets will remain the property of FIDE. b) Refusal of either player to sign the score sheets shall be penalized according to Article 13.4 of the Laws of Chess. After the players have signed the score sheets, the Arbiter shall countersign to confirm the results. c) In tie-break games, the players and the Arbiter shall sign a result sheet.

3.10 Players’ Meeting.

3.10.1 The players are required to attend the Players’ Meeting on the day of the venue inspection at a time to be decided by the Chief Arbiter and the Organizing Committee. If necessary, the Chief Arbiter may call other Players’ Meetings. Provided the Chief Arbiter and/or the Organizing Committee are requesting more than the first Players’ Meeting (day of Opening Ceremony) the players shall have the right to be represented through their managers.

3.10.2 If a player fails to appear at the Players’ Meeting, the Opening or Closing Ceremony or any approved function of the Championship such as official receptions and press conferences, or conducts himself in a manner contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship or the FIDE Code of Ethics, then he shall suffer the following penalty: 5% of his prize money shall be forfeited to the Organizing Committee and a further 5% to FIDE for each breach. In cases of serious misconduct the player may be disqualified from the match and the World Chess Championship cycle.

3.11 Interviews, functions and mode of dressing

3.11.1 The players are expected to co-operate reasonably with the media. General interviews with them can be arranged through the Press Officer and the team managers but it is understood that exclusive interviews shall be arranged only after the match has been concluded.

3.11.2 Both players are required to make themselves available for post game press conferences, of not more than 20 minutes duration, immediately after the game.

3.11.3 The players are required to be present at all official functions during the match including official receptions, the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony.

3.11.4 Players are requested to note the requirements of FIDE Regulations C.01 (Article 8.1) in respect of their appearance at all times during the matches.

3.12 Principals

3.12.1 The Principals are:

a) President and Deputy President, b) Treasurer, Elected Vice President, General Secretary c) Members of the Appeals Committee including the Chairman; d) 2 Arbiters; e) Press Officer; f) WCCC members;

3.13 Arbiters

3.13.1 Two (2) arbiters of the match will be selected by FIDE after providing a list of five(5)nominees to the Players. No arbiter may belong to the same Federation as either of the players. Exception: if both players are members of the same Federation, an arbiter may also belong to this Federation.

3.13.2 During play either the Chief Arbiter or one of his Deputies must be present in the playing area.

3.13.3 Immediately after the end of the match, the Chief Arbiter shall write a report and send it without delay to FIDE and to the FIDE Secretariat.

3.13.4 The report shall be written in the English language.

3.13.5 The report shall contain the result of each individual game as well as the final result of the match. In addition, the report shall contain a general description of the course of the event. If there were any difficulties, conflicts or incidents, they shall be described together with the measures taken to deal with them.

3.13.6 The report shall be supplemented by adding two copies of the bulletins and the original score sheets of the games shall be sent to FIDE.

3.13.7 The Chief Arbiter may, in consultation with the WCCC, and with the approval of the FIDE President, issue additional written regulations to inform the exact playing hours and take care of other details not covered by these regulations.

3.14 Appeals Committee.

3.14.1 All protests must be submitted in writing to the Appeals Committee not more than two (2) hours after the relevant playing session, or the particular infringement complained against. The Committee may decide on the following matters:

a) an appeal against a decision by an arbiter, b) a protest against a player’s behavior, c) a complaint alleging false interpretation of the regulations, d) a request for the interpretation of specific regulations, e) a protest or complaint against any participant, or f) all other matters which the Committee considers important.

If possible, the Committee shall reach a decision not more than two (2) hours after the submission of a protest. The appeals process shall include written representations and a written decision. The Committee shall endeavor to find binding solutions that are within the true spirit of the FIDE motto, Gens Una Sumus. Each protest must be accompanied by a deposit fee of 500 (five hundred Euros) or the equivalent in local currency. If the protest is accepted, the fee shall be returned. If the protest is rejected, the fee may be forfeited to FIDE. The written decision of the Appeals Committee arising from any dispute in respect of these regulations shall be final.

3.15 Other arrangements

3.15.1 FIDE shall ensure the playing hall and its environs meet at least the requirements of the FIDE Regulations for the Organization of Top Level Tournaments (FIDE Handbook C.01).

3.15.2 The playing venue shall be decorated with the FIDE flag, IOC flag, the flags of the host nation and the participating countries.

3.15.3 After FIDE agrees with the Organizing Committee on the arrangements in respect of the tournament hall, facilities, accommodation and meals, transportation, telecommunication, ceremonies, etc., no objections from the participants shall be acceptable.

3.15.4 The Organizing Committee shall provide, free of charge, coffee, tea and soft drinks for the players and principals. It is advisable that the same offer shall apply for press members.

3.16 Photography and Television

3.16.1 Only photographers and camera crew expressly authorized by the Press Officer may work in the playing venue.

a) Flash may be used only during the first five (5) minutes. b) In tie-break games, flash may only be used in the first three (3) minutes. In case of 5 minutes + sudden death games, flash is not permitted; the use of cameras without flash may be permitted if the Arbiter in charge deems their use to be unobtrusive. c) Television cameras must be unobtrusive and may only be used if the Arbiter in charge deems their use to be unobtrusive. d) An official photographer, designated by the Organizing Committee with the approval of the Chief Arbiter shall be allowed to take photos at any time during the round without flash.

3.17 Ceremonies / Prize Fund / Stipends

3.17.1 The Opening Ceremony shall take place one day prior to the first round and the participants are required to take part.

3.17.2 The program of the Opening Ceremony shall be supervised by FIDE. Cultural program and speeches totaling up to 60 minutes are usually welcome. FIDE Anthem, the Anthem of the hosting country and the anthems of the two players country.

3.17.3 The Closing Ceremony shall take place not later than one day after the end of the event and the participants are required to take part. The Organizing Committee shall provide a victory garland, a trophy and a gold medal for the winner and a silver medal for the loser. Anthem of the winner’s country, FIDE Anthem and Anthem of the hosting country shall be played.

3.17.4 The Organiser will provide the prize fund of the Challenger’s Match which is minimum 150,000 USD (free of any local taxes) to be shared equally between Mr Topalov and Mr Kamsky independent from the final result. An amount of 20% over and above the prize fund (minimum 30,000 USD) will be contributed to FIDE by the Organiser. An additional fixed amount of 10,000 USD will be paid by the Organiser to FIDE towards the budget of the World Chess Championship Committee.

3.17.5 Stipends. The stipends to be paid by the Organiser to the Principals of the match are (in USD):

3.18.1 Travel. The FIDE President has the right to first class travel by air, sea or rail, at the Organizing Committee` expense. The FIDE Deputy President has the right to business class travel by air, sea or rail, at the Organizing Committee expense. All other Principals shall be provided with transport by air, sea or rail or, if they prefer, any other mode of transport that is not more costly to the Organizing Committee than air travel. Any Principal making his own travel arrangements without the agreement of the Organizing Committee does so entirely at his own risk.

3.18.2 Board and Lodging. For the FIDE President a suite in a first class hotel should be provided and for the Deputy President one junior suite in the same first class hotel. For each Principal – a double room in the same first class hotel. Extra expenses will be covered by the Organizing Committee only for the FIDE President.

3.18.3 Food and drinks. Provision for food and drinks shall be provided for all the Principals. This shall be provided by a specified allowance in local currency per day or by the provision of all meals in the restaurant of the hotel. The nature and amount shall be agreed between the Organizing Committee and WCCC.

3.18.4 Local transportation. Transfer from and to the airport will be provided by the Organizing Committee, if necessary. For FIDE President, a chauffeur-driven car. For the other Principals, a number of cars shall be made available; their use will depend on the position of the hotels, playing hall and media centre, and on the leisure activities of the Principals. Alternatively, a daily allowance in local currency may be provided, the amount to be agreed between the Organizing Committee and WCCC. Local transport shall also be provided for players to official functions if necessary.

3.18.5 Personnel – The Organizing Committee should provide sufficient personnel to assist in the playing hall, press room, VIP room, and at ceremonies according to the agreement made with the WCCC.

3.19 Procedures concerning the Organizing Committee. No proposed sponsor for the Challenger’s Match shall be in conflict with the regulations of the International Olympic Committee.

3.20 Other. At any time in the course of the application of these regulations, any grounds that are not covered or any unforeseen event shall be referred to the FIDE President, for final decision.

IM Anna Muzychuk managed to grab gold medal on board 1 for her team T-Com Podgorica and a GM norm as well. Her good score gave T-Com the third place in the final standings in the strongest ECC in history.

IM Jon Ludvig Hammer gave the proof that the Norwegian chess is growing by taking a GM norm as well. He shared his thoughts in a video interview, which will be available later today on Chessdom.com.

However the Chief Arbiter decided that the game was drawn based on Article 9.6 of the Laws of Chess. The Chief Arbiter indicated that in order to achieve a position where white threatens to mate black in the next move, needs that black intentionally places his king and knight so that white can mate in the next move (White: Kc7,Nb6 – Black: Ka8,Na7).

Article 9.6 states that, quote “The game is drawn when a position is reached from which a checkmate cannot occur by any possible series of legal moves, even with the most unskilled play. This immediately ends the game, provided that the move producing this position is legal.”

In her protest, Ms Monika Socko contended that she had won the game based on the fact that the flag of her opponent had fallen.

Having considered the arguments presented by the player in her protest and the decision of the Chief Arbiter, the Appeals Committee has decided that indeed based on the provisions of Article 9.6, playing in a most unskilled manner can result in the position indicated by the Chief Arbiter which can lead to a checkmate.

Therefore, the Appeals Committee has decided that the game is a win for white.

details about the rules at the Chess Olympiad (updated)

The Chess Olympiad will have interesting innovations and strict rules. One of the most peculiar is the “no short draw” rule implementation. According to article 3.1 from the Players and Captains section, “Draws are NOT allowed before the completion of Black’s 30th move. This shall be
superseded by Article 9.1 of the Laws of Chess. In case of doubts, the Chief Arbiter’s
interpretation shall be final and without appeal.”

2. Team Compositions

2.1 According to a decision made by the Athens Presidential Board Meeting in June 2008 all participating federations are required to submit their Team Lists by providing the Fixed Board Order (FBO) before 12 September 2008. After this date, no substitution of players and no change of board order shall be allowed.

2.2 Any team whose captain (or deputy) is not present at the Captains Meeting will be excluded from the initial ranking of teams and shall not be paired for Round 1. Teams arriving with less than 2 players will not be paired.

2.3 If any specific Round Team List (RTL) is not submitted on time, the team must only use its top 4 players.

The order of the players, as indicated by the FBO (Fixed Board Order) Team List cannot be altered; hence reserves must play on the bottom board only. If the board order in which a team plays differs from the board order of FBO Team List, the team’s score for that round shall be reduced by one game point for every deviation from the correct sequence. (Example: for playing 1-2-4-3, two points are forfeited; the score shall not, however, be reduced below zero.) The use of any player who does not figure in the FBO Team List will cause the round to be forfeited 4:0.

3. Players and Captains

3.1 Metallic objects, electronic devices and mobile phones cannot be brought into the playing area.

3.2 Captains and Players playing in a particular round shall be allowed to enter the playing area provided they wear the appropriate Accreditation Badge.

3.3 The player having to move is not allowed to leave the playing area without permission of the Match Arbiter.

3.4 Players are not allowed to leave the playing venue without permission from the Match Arbiter. The playing venue is defined as the playing area, rest rooms, refreshment area and other places as designated by the Chief Arbiter.

3.5 All players must conduct themselves in accordance with sporting fairness and decency, and must take care neither to distract nor to annoy their opponents. They should endeavor to settle all disputes by mutual accommodation.

3.6 Draws are NOT allowed before the completion of Black’s 30th move. This shall be superseded by Article 9.1 of the Laws of Chess. In case of doubts, the Chief Arbiter’s interpretation shall be final and without appeal.

3.7 No analysis is permitted in the playing area. Analysis for finished games is allowed in the analysis room. It is not allowed to move sets and clocks from playing area to the analysis room.

3.8 Prior agreement between players as to the result of individual games or of a match shall be penalized with the utmost severity. If any such agreement is proven to have taken place, the points apportioned by it shall be annulled and the matter shall be referred to the Appeals Committee for the fixing of the penalty.

4. Captains

In the exercise of his functions the Captain has the right of access to the area reserved for the players, but it is his duty to ensure that the members of his team who are not involved in the current match or have finished their games do not enter or remain in this area. When the match of his/her team has finished, the Captain will be considered as a spectator and he/she will leave the playing area.

At the end of the playing session, the Captain is responsible both for reporting the result to the Match Arbiter and for delivering to them legibly written score sheets of the finished games and to sign the Match Protocols.

During the games the Captain must refrain from interfering in any way. He is, however, entitled to advise his players on the offering or accepting of draws or resigning of games, provided that he makes no comment on the actual position on the chess board, and confines himself to giving brief information which can in no way be construed as an opinion about the progress of the game. The exchange of information between Captain and Player must take place in the presence of an Arbiter.

The Captain is permitted to appoint a deputy to exercise his functions, but must inform the Chief Arbiter of this in writing. In matters relating directly to the play, the Captain alone is entitled to lodge or present demands made by his players.

5. The Advisory Panel

5.1 In the Chief Arbiter’s initial discussion with the captains, the latter shall elect an Advisory Panel.

5.2 This panel shall be composed of 5 persons, as follows: • the members may be Captains or Players; • they should be chosen from all 5 rating categories, which are made according to the average rating of each team’s 4 highest rated players; • the 5 members shall nominate their own chairman.

5.3 The task of the Advisory Panel is to give advice to the Chief Arbiter and Tournament Director whenever they request it. Equally, the Appeals Committee or the FIDE President may take advice from the panel before arriving at a decision.

5.4 Request for this advice should be addressed to the chairman of the panel.

6. System of Play

The basic Swiss pairing system shall be Burstein System in 11 rounds, with one section for the open teams and one section for the women’s teams, considered as separate competitions. Every match shall be played over four boards.

7. Start and Finish of the Sessions

7.1 Five minutes before the start of each round, the Chief Arbiter must announce the approaching start of the session by a double acoustic signal; whereupon all Players are to be seated at their designated matches.

7.2 The beginning of the playing session shall be announced by the Chief Arbiter or by a single acoustic signal. At this instant, any Player who is not seated at his/her Match shall be defaulted immediately. Where both Players are absent at the beginning of the playing session, both Players shall lose the game by default.

7.3 Once the signal for the start of the round has been given, the clock of the player with the white pieces shall be started by his opponent or an Arbiter.

8. Laws of Chess

The general FIDE Laws of Chess shall be applied with their supplements and interpretations as laid down by the FIDE Rules Commission. The specific regulations for the Chess Olympiad in FIDE Handbook shall also be in force.

9. Time Control

The time control is 40 moves in 90 minutes and 30 minutes to finish with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from the first move.

10. Scoring

10.1 Each team’s place in the order of classification shall be decided by the number of Match Points it has scored.

10.2 Ties shall be resolved as follows: The position of teams that finish with the same number of Match Points shall be determined by application of the following tie-breaking procedures in sequence, proceeding from (a) to (b) to (c) to the extent required: (a) by the sum of Sonneborn-Berger Points which are calculated as follows: Match Points of each opponent, excluding the opponent who scored the lowest number of Match Points, multiplied by the number of Game Points achieved against this opponent; (b) by the sum of Match Points of all the team’s opponents, excluding the lowest one; (c) by the number of the Game Points scored

10.3 For tie-break purposes, a Bye is counted as a drawn match against the team itself, an unplayed match – if the opposing team does not appear on time – is counted as a match won by 3-1. Individual Board Prizes Players assigned to the same board number in their respective team lists shall be in competition for individual board prizes namely; gold, silver and bronze medals. For the purposes of this award, the player’s Performance Rating shall be compared. If the Performance Rating is equal, the tie shall be broken by (a) the number of games, and if this is also equal by (b) the player’s Performance Rating after deducting the result against the lowest rated opponent, and if this is also equal by (c) the player’s Performance Rating after deducting the results against the two lowest rated opponents and so on.

Only players who have played a minimum of 8 games shall be eligible for Board Prizes.

12 Qualification for World Team Championships The 3 highest placed teams in the Open Section are entitled to participate in the World Team Championship in Turkey, 2009. The 5 highest placed teams in the Women’s Section are entitled to participate in the Women’s World Team Championship in Singapore, 2009.

13 Procedure in case of infringement of the rules, disputes and improper conduct

13.1 In matters relating to the play: • the initial decision shall be taken by the Arbiters. • an appeal against this decision may be addressed to the Chief Arbiter. • the second, provisionally binding decision, shall be taken by the Chief Arbiter.

13.2 In administrative matters • the initial decision shall be taken by the Deputy Tournament Director. • an appeal against this decision may be addressed to the Tournament Director. • the second, provisionally binding decision shall be taken by the Tournament Director.

13.3 Any ruling by the Chief Arbiter or Tournament Director shall take effect immediately; any proceedings which were suspended shall then be resumed.

13.4 Written protests against a decision of the Chief Arbiter or Tournament Director are permissible and shall be settled by an Appeals Committee.

14 The Appeals Committee

14.1 The FIDE President, as the highest executive officer of the Chess Olympiad, shall have the support of an Appeals Committee, of which he himself shall select the three members.

14.2 The President shall appoint one of the members as chairman.

14.3 The following may be the subject of rulings by the appeals committee: • protests against decisions of the Chief Arbiter or Tournament Director; • complaints of improper conduct by participants in the Chess Olympiad; • any other matters which the committee considers important and worth debating.

14.4 Procedure of appeals Any protest against a decision by the Chief Arbiter or the Tournament Director must be typed and presented to the Appeals Committee in triplicate, together with the sum of 100 Swiss Francs or the equivalent in local currency, as a deposit from the signatory. If the appeal is granted, the sum shall be returned immediately. Those entitled to lodge appeals are the team captains and the chiefs of delegation. Where appropriate, the appeal may be accompanied by written statements from the witnesses. The deposit must be handed to the chairman of the Appeals Committee. If the appeal is refused, the deposit is forfeited to FIDE. Requests to the Appeals Committee by organizers of the Chess Olympiad may be made without payment.

14.5 Upon submission of the appeal, the committee shall proceed to examine the evidence. For this purpose it may take statements from anyone as required, consult members of the Advisory Panel, and conduct other forms of investigation. The decision of the Appeals Committee should be reached as quickly as possible.

14.6 The Appeals Committee should endeavor to find acceptable solutions in the FIDE spirit. It may resolve disputed issues with or without disciplinary action. In the case of gross unsporting offenses or other misconduct, the following principles apply: • The Laws of Chess provide for the penalization of players who break the rules; the FIDE interpretations of the laws state that “Arbiters are requested to impose, in cases where clear contravention of moral principles of the game is demonstrated, penalties as severe as the loss of the game”. • If a participant fails to comply with the Laws of Chess or the relevant regulations, disobeys the controllers Assistant Arbiters, commits breaches of chess etiquette or conducts himself improperly inside or outside the tournament building, the following steps may be taken.

14.7 Code of penalties For minor offences or petty infringements • admonishment • correction • demand for an apology to the offended party.

If a participant fails to make the apology demanded of him, which must be presented to the offended party in writing, the Appeals Committee shall instead impose a fine, the amount of which shall have been stipulated in a postscript to the original verdict. For serious offenses • written warning • fine • conditional or definitive disqualification. The Appeals Committee shall decides whether an offence is “serious” or “minor”. All fines are to be remitted to FIDE through the administrator, who should be notified by the committee. The Federations shall take responsibility for their players.

official rules, part 2

3. 18. Arrangements for the Playing Hall

3. 18. 1. The WCCC shall ensure the playing hall and its environs meet at least the requirements of the FIDE Regulations for the Organisation of Top Level Tournaments (FIDE Handbook C.01).

3. 18. 2. The playing venue shall be decorated with the FIDE flag, IOC flag, the flags of the host nation and the participating Federations.

3. 18. 3. After the World Chess Championship Committee agrees with the Organisers on the arrangements in respect of the tournament hall, facilities, accommodation and meals, transportation, telecommunication, ceremonies, no objections from the participants shall be acceptable.

3. 18. 4. Organisers shall provide, free of charge, coffee, tea and soft drinks for the players and principals. It is advisable that the same offer shall apply for press members.

3. 19. Photography and Television

3. 19. 1. Only photographers and camera crew expressly authorised by the Press Officer may work in the playing venue.

a) When more than 16 players are competing, flash may be used only during the first ten minutes.

b) When 16 players or less are competing, flash may only be used during the first five minutes.

c) In tiebreak games flash may only be used in the first three minutes. In case of 5 minutes + sudden death games, the use of flash is not permitted, the use of cameras without flash may only be permitted if the Arbiter in charge deems their use to be unobtrusive.

e) Television cameras must be unobtrusive and may only be used if the Arbiter in charge deems their use to be unobtrusive.

f) An official photographer, designated by the Organisers with the approval of the Chief Arbiter shall be allowed to take photos at any time during the round without flash.

3. 20. Ceremonies.

3. 20. 1. The Opening Ceremony shall take place the day prior to the first round and all participants are required to take part. Exception can be made by a written permission of the FIDE President.

3. 20. 2. The program of the Opening Ceremony shall be supervised by FIDE. Cultural program and speeches totalling up to 60 minutes are usually welcome. FIDE Anthem and the Anthem of the hosting country shall be played.

3. 20. 3. The drawing of colours for round 1 shall be carried out during the opening ceremony.

3. 20. 4. The Closing Ceremony shall take place not later than one day after the end of the event. The Organisers shall provide a trophy and a gold medal for the Women’s World Champion. Silver and bronze medals shall be provided for the runner-up and 3rd & 4th winners. If the two semi-finalists, who were eliminated in round 5, stay in the hosting city after their elimination in order to attend the closing ceremony, FIDE will cover their hotel expenses for this extra period. The FIDE Anthem, the Anthem of the World Champion’s country and the Anthem of the hosting country shall be played during the Closing Ceremony.

3. 21. FIDE Rights and Obligations of the Organisers

3. 21. 1. Finance

3. 21. 1. 1. Before the end of the tournament, FIDE shall be reimbursed for its direct expenses incurred in the Women’s World Championship. This shall be a fixed sum agreed between the Organiser and the World Chess Championship Committee before the start of the tournament. This sum shall include stipends, pre-expenses (inspections) and tournament expenses (travelling and boarding) for the principals. The WCCC shall advise and help the Organisers on protocol, budget, infrastructure, media, commentary, bulletin and other technical problems.

3. 21. 1. 2. FIDE has exclusive commercial rights to the event and is free to exploit them commercially, including entering into advertisement agreements either with the Organisers or Sponsors of the tournament requiring players to wear clothes with the branding of sponsors.

3. 21. 1. 3. The income provided by the Women’s World Chess Championship through admission charges, concessions and photography shall go to the Organisers. The radio and television rights, including video and film rights, shall belong to FIDE. The right as described here and in the previous paragraph can be given by FIDE to the organiser.

3. 21. 1. 4. FIDE shall have the exclusive rights for live games transmission on Internet and shall provide the necessary equipment such as electronic boards and clocks to cover the event. FIDE shall provide to the Organisers the signal for online game display in the different function rooms as agreed between the parties. These rights as described here can be given by FIDE to the organiser.

3. 21. 1. 5. The Organisers shall draw up a budget as detailed as possible, including provision for contingencies. This shall be subject to the approval of WCCC and the FIDE President.

3. 21. 2. Stipends

3. 21. 2. 1. The following stipends are to be paid to the Principals of the Women’s World Chess Championship:

a) Chairman of the Appeals Committee USD 7,000

b) Three members of the Appeals Committee USD 9,000

c) Chief Arbiter USD 4,000

d) Deputy Chief Arbiter USD 2,500

e) Deputy Arbiter (Rounds 1 to 5) USD 2,000

f) 2 Deputy Arbiters (Rounds 1 to 4) USD 3,500

g) Press Officer USD 2,500

h) Chairman of FIDE medical Commission USD 3,000

In addition the organisers shall pay to FIDE a minimum sum of USD 35,000 for the WCCC budget.

3. 21. 3. Travelling and Accommodation

3. 21. 3. 1. Travel. The FIDE President has the right to first class travel by air, sea or rail, at the Organisers` expense. The FIDE Deputy President has the right to business class travel by air, sea or rail, at the Organisers expense. All other Principals shall be provided with transport by air, sea or rail or, if they prefer, any other mode of transport that is not more costly to the Organisers than air travel. Any Principal making his own travel arrangements without the agreement of the Organisers does so entirely at his own risk.

3. 21. 3. 2. Board and Lodging. For the FIDE President a suite in a first class hotel and for the Deputy President one junior suite in the same first class hotel. For each Principal or WCCC member – a double room in the same first class hotel. Also, hospitality shall be provided for three more FIDE people (FIDE Secretariat). Extras will be covered by the Organisers only for the FIDE President.

3. 21. 3. 3. Food and drinks. Provision for food and drinks shall be provided for all the Principals. This shall be provided by a specified allowance in local currency per day or by the provision of all meals in the restaurant of the hotel. The nature and amount shall be agreed between the Organisers and WCCC.

3. 21. 3. 4. Local transportation. Transfer from and to the airport will be provided by the organisers, if necessary. For FIDE President, a chauffeur-driven car. For the other Principals, a number of cars shall be made available; their use will depend on the position of the hotels, playing hall and media centre, and on the leisure activities of the Principals. Alternatively, a daily allowance in local currency may be provided, the amount to be agreed between the Organisers and WCCC. Local transport shall also be provided for players to official functions if necessary.

3. 21. 3. 5. Personnel. The Organisers should provide sufficient personnel to assist: the FIDE Secretariat, in the playing hall, press room, VIP room, and at ceremonies according to the agreement made with the WCCC.

3. 22. Selection of the Organisers.

3. 22. 1. Any federation that is a member of FIDE or any sponsor may bid for the right to administer the Women’s World Championship. FIDE shall consult the federation where the sponsor proposes to hold the event. If the federation refuses or is unable to co-operate, FIDE may still accept a proposal from a potential sponsor.

No proposed sponsor for the Women’s World Championship shall be in conflict with the regulations of the International Olympic Committee.

3. 22. 3. Each applicant shall pay a non-refundable fee of USD 1 000 to obtain the obligatory bidding form and the necessary information from the FIDE Secretariat.

At any time, where the bidding procedure fails, the Presidential Board shall decide, where, when and how the Women’s World Championship shall be organised.

3. 22. 4. In the event that FIDE receives a satisfactory open offer that covers all the minimum financial requirements, then FIDE may immediately terminate any bidding procedure already opened.

3. 22. 5. Each proposal shall contain the following particulars:

a) the proposed dates of the event

b) the proposed tournament venue;

c) the proposed prize fund in U.S. Dollars.

d) the covering of all organisational costs

e) Special rates for hotel rooms and meals for the participants, accompanying persons and journalists.

f) A statement that the applicant accepts all the demands made in these regulations;

g) The applicant’s name, signatures and authentication;

h) Two bank guarantees shall be provided. One for the proposed prize fund comprising 20% of this sum and the other for the sum of USD 50,000 in respect of other obligations.

3. 22. 6. FIDE may exercise the right to reject any bid application if the conditions as stated in 3. 22. 8 below are not met or the financial offer is unsatisfactory.

3. 22. 7. Each proposal shall be accompanied by an invitation to at least one member of the WCCC to inspect the proposed venue and examine the other conditions, with all expenses paid by the bidder.

3. 22. 8. The FIDE Presidential Board shall decide which applicant shall be chosen. The decision reached shall be based on the following criteria, which are to be viewed as a whole:

a) prize fund

b) covering of organisational costs

c) playing conditions

d) providing visas to all players, trainers and officials.

e) Security assistance for all players and officials.

f) chess activity both actual and potential in the country hosting the Women’s World Championship.

g) media possibilities

h) potential development of chess worldwide.

i) climatic conditions during the period of the tournament

j) taxation conditions in the hosting country in respect of the prize fund.

If a Presidential Board meeting cannot be held, the FIDE President takes the decision in consultations with the WCCC.

3. 22. 9. After the Presidential Board (or the FIDE President) has decided who shall be selected to organize the Women’s World Championship, the Organizers shall deposit, not later than one month before the start of the event, in escrow, net and free of all taxes, with the FIDE bankers the full sums of money covering the prize fund and all costs related to FIDE as stipends, travel, full board and lodge and other administrative costs for communications etc in accordance with a budget agreed between FIDE and the Organizers.

3. 22. 10. In case of a failure to deposit the sums of money under 3. 22. 9, the guarantees specified in 3. 22. 5 are forfeited in favour of FIDE.

3. 22. 11. At any time, after the sums specified under 3. 22. 9, have been deposited in escrow, if the Organizer fails to organize the Women’s World Championship or is in breach of the agreement with FIDE for the organization of the event, FIDE shall withdraw the right to organize the event and at the same time, the Organizers shall forfeit 50% of the sums of money under 3. 22. 9..

3. 22. 12. The Organizers shall invite two members of the WCCC to inspect and give consultation on the preparations. The WCCC shall decide on the need for further inspections. Travelling (business class if transcontinental) and accommodation costs are to be borne by the Organizers.

3. 23. Other

3. 23. 1. At any time in the course of the application of these regulations, any grounds that are not covered or any unforeseen event shall be referred to the Presidential Board or the President of FIDE, for final decision.